Superficial Treatment of EPDM Rubber by Microwave Glow and After-Glow Discharge

• Grant number: 09/07719-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: January 01, 2010
• End date: September 30, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Argemiro Soares da Silva Sobrinho
• Grantee: Jaison Vieira da Maia
• Host Institution: Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Ministério da Defesa (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Due to the low cost and excellent mechanical and thermal properties, the EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber is widely used in mechanical and aerospace industries. However, the rubber posses low surface energy which turn difficult its adhesion to most materials. In this project, we will use microwave plasmas in two different configurations (resonant cavity and after-glow) to modify the EPDM rubber surface energy to improve its adhesion properties. The plasma parameter to be investigate are: pressure and flow of each used gas, treatment time and position of the rubber into the plasma. The plasma properties, such as electron temperature and electron and ion density will be investigated by optical spectroscopy mass spectrometry and Langmuir probe. The rubber surface will be characterized by goniometry, atomic force and electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectrons spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy.